The Eucharistic Transfiguration

By Ivonne Hernandez

“The bread and wine have been changed into the Body and Blood of the Son of God. Do you see Him in this transfiguration of love and humility? We know that the sun exists even though a cloud hides it from us. Jesus never ceases being God and perfect Man, although hidden behind the cloud of bread and wine. Just as everything was glorious in the first transfiguration, so in the second everything is lovable. We see Him no longer, nor do we touch Him; but He is there with all His gifts. Love, grace, and faith pierce the veils and can recognize His face. Faith is the eye of the soul; to believe is really to see.” [1] - St Peter Julian Eymard
 
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Meditation:
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Yesterday I woke up and felt disoriented for a few minutes.  The clock on my phone said it was mid-morning, but the room was dark, like if it was not yet dawn.  As I looked out the window and saw a blanket of gray covering the sky, I realized I had slept in and the clock was right. I am so glad I had something else to point me to the truth when the reality perceived by my eyes deceived me.  If I didn’t have that, I would have spent the whole day in a state of confusion, not knowing when it was time to wake or sleep, time to eat or work. The clock, which I also follow on sunny days, is a constant guide I’ve come to trust.  The chime of the alarm clock telling me the sun is up reminds me of the bells during Mass that tell me Jesus is present on the altar.  The Church is that guide I’ve come to trust to always point me to the Truth. On the days when my heart sees the Son clearly and when the Rays of Love from the Eucharist warm me up, the Church is my comfort, but on the days when everything is dark and I am tempted to doubt and give up, the Church, especially through the Sacraments, is my lifeline.  It is what I cling to in faith, knowing it will always point me to the Truth.

The veil that hides the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is like the cloud coverage on that overcast day.  If you were to spend the day outside, the sun will still burn you even though it is hiding behind the clouds. The sun’s invisible light still comes through and has an effect on everything it touches. “Jesus never ceases being God and perfect Man, although hidden behind the cloud of bread and wine.”  This is the Truth we need to cling to in faith.  This is the Truth that tells us where to go on a dark day and find the Light we seek.  Jesus is in the Most Blessed Sacrament, with all His Gifts, waiting for us to come to Him.  We need more faith? We will find it in the Eucharist.  We need more Hope? We will find it in the Eucharist.  We need more Love? He is there in the Eucharist. Go seek Him, let His Love touch you through the veil.  If you persevere, the clouds will part, and you will find the One you seek. The One Who was always there, even when you couldn’t see.


[1] Eymard, St Peter Julian. The Real Presence (pp. 280-281). Veritatis Splendor Publications. Kindle Edition.